Nixon Still Haunts Billy Graham

Evangelist’s 1972 comments with president called anti-Semitic. Plus many more stories from around the world.

Christianity Today February 1, 2002

Graham joined Nixon in anti-Jewish comments in 1972 Oval Office meeting “Like all human relationships, mine with Richard Nixon was bittersweet,” evangelist (and Christianity Today founder) Billy Graham writes in his autobiography, Just As I Am. In fact, Graham was reportedly closer to Nixon than any other president—and got burned for it.

Graham’s relationship with Nixon continues to burn him. Here’s the damning headline in today’s Chicago Tribune: “Nixon, Graham anti-Semitism on tape.” Yesterday, the National Archives released 500 hours of White House tapes from 1972. Among them was a conversation Nixon and Graham had after a February 1 prayer breakfast.

Graham was especially concerned about perceived Jewish control of the media, and blames them for “putting out the pornographic stuff.” “This stranglehold has got to be broken or the country’s going down the drain,” he told Nixon.

Graham’s biographer, William Martin, tells the Tribune he’s stunned. “This is out of character with anything else I have heard Billy Graham say or be quoted as saying. It is disappointing.”

Graham isn’t responding to the story. His spokesman, Larry Ross, only said that the evangelist isn’t feeling well and doesn’t recall the conversation.

Other articles

Hundreds killed in India religious violence:

Persecution:

War on terrorism:

Islam and the Middle East:

Politics:

  • Mayoral aide wants pastors involved in government | Carlton N. Pressley says a pastor should be present at all D.C. government cabinet-level meetings (The Washington Post)
  • Riordan can learn from the Mormons | You gain adherents by standing for something, not by watering down your beliefs (Gary Lawrence, Los Angeles Times)
  • Silence isn’t golden | Confront culture or accommodate it? Religious broadcasters’ dispute raises old questions (Edward E. Plowman, World)
  • Church and president | After more than a year in office, Bush has become more open about his religious beliefs—and its influence on his work (Martha Brant, Newsweek)

Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore:

Faith-based initiative:

Education:

  • Crusade divides students | Christian push at University of Northern Florida leads to sign thefts, lively debates (Jacksonville Times-Union)
  • Bringing together faith and reason | God and science enjoy a peaceful co-existence in most religious schools—Catholic schools have taught evolution and the origin of the species in science classes for decades. (The Plain Dealer, Cleveland)
  • Faith in our schools | Values are an intrinsic part of teaching (Elaine Storkey, The Times, London)

Medical and life ethics:

Sex & marriage:

Abuse:

Crime:

Church life:

Missions & ministry:

Catholics:

  • Vatican warns of dangers of cyberspace faith | Internet should not be used as a religious supermarket, say documents (Reuters)
  • Pope told he’s a picture of immorality | Member of Australian Parliament says pontiff should take action against Campbelltown Catholic Club (The Sydney Morning Herald)
  • A huge crucifix has this small town abuzz | Thomas Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza, has a vision to transform this small wealthy suburb of about 5,000 people outside the city of Ann Arbor into a center for Roman Catholic endeavors (The New York Times)
  • Roman Catholic leader invited to Kremlin | Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz was invited to the Kremlin on Thursday — the Russian leadership’s first positive overture toward Catholics since the Vatican upgraded its Russian presence to full-fledged dioceses this month. (Associated Press)

Eastern Orthodox:

Pop culture and music:

Other stories of interest:

Copyright © 2002 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

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